Alyssa Cook is a freshman on the softball at Judson University.  She is from Antioch, Illinois, and is a starting pitcher for the Eagles.

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By Leslie Talley

Judson Sports Information Student Assistant

It all started with t-ball for softball player, Alyssa Cook. One thing led to another as t-ball evolved into softball. "I've played softball since I was five," Cook states. For thirteen years, softball has been her game of choice.

Along the way, Alyssa dabbled in soccer, gymnastics, hockey, volleyball, basketball, and track. Softball trumped all the other sports for Cook, as she claims, "I love the intensity, the excitement and the adrenaline rush [of softball]."

Throughout her years growing up, Alyssa lived in Antioch, IL. In grade school and middle school, ranging from kindergarten to eighth grade, Cook's class consisted of forty-two students. Before coming to Judson University, Alyssa went to Antioch Community High School with three-hundred and twenty seven classmates. She lived with her parents, John and Mary Lou, and her sister, Hannah.

Cook reveals it was during high school that she spent most of her time playing sports, particularly volleyball and softball. During the summers, Cook traveled with softball, creating memories and gaining experience and skill in softball to carry her onto college.

Alyssa says she loves the tight-knit community Judson University has. "I love it; I love the freedom that it brings," she shares of her experience at Judson so far. For Cook, along with that comes meeting new people and getting to know everyone, which is another bonus to living within a small campus. Perhaps it is reminiscent of kindergarten to eighth grades in which she made close bonds with those in the small class within those nine years.

Creating time for other things during training and softball season create a challenge for Alyssa. "I make a schedule and stick to it," Cook tells on how she balances the obligations of schoolwork and softball. In her down-time, Alyssa prefers to spend time with new friends on campus or watching movies. With softball season quickly approaching, leisure time may be scarce, but for Cook, softball is a fun priority to have.